Here’s Why It Matters: Design a Life of Clarity, Focus, and Purpose

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In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, I talk with inspiring product design leader and builder Doon Malekzadeh about how early curiosity, play, and hands-on problem-solving laid the groundwork for a dynamic design career.

We explore:

• Doon’s childhood love of Legos and how it shaped his design instincts
• Why curiosity and play are powerful tools for learning and leadership
• Stoic philosophy and how it informs Doon’s proactive career choices
• Doon’s take on strategic quitting, inspired by The Dip by Seth Godin

This episode is all about embracing experimentation, thinking differently about career growth, and staying in motion even during times of uncertainty.

Resources mentioned:

• The Dip by Seth Godin
• Simon Sinek’s “Golden Circle”
• Doon's AI tools and portfolio
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/fmalekzadeh/

Here’s Why It Matters is your space for clarity, focus, and personal growth strategies—so you can finally align your actions with your goals.

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Find out more about Teresa here: https://www.tmrwcoaching.com/

Please rate and review the podcast in your favorite platform!

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teresawashburn/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmrwcoaching/

© 2024 - 2026 Teresa Washburn

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Graduation isn't just for students. It's a moment we experience many times in life - whenever we let go of an identity, a title, or a chapter we've outgrown. In this reflective and personal episode, we explore how transitions like graduation (and even layoffs) challenge who we think we are, and invite us to become something new.

Reflective Prompt:
What part of your identity are you graduating from right now?
And instead of rushing to become something new… can you simply ask:
“Who am I, now that I’m no longer that?”

Subscribe to "Here’s Why It Matters" and never miss an episode.
We explore the why behind the what—and what it means to grow, lead, and show up with intention.

Here’s Why It Matters is your space for clarity, focus, and personal growth strategies—so you can finally align your actions with your goals.

Subscribe to Here's Why It Matters:
Apple | Spotify

Find out more about Teresa here: https://www.tmrwcoaching.com/

Please rate and review the podcast in your favorite platform!

Follow on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teresawashburn/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmrwcoaching/

© 2024 - 2026 Teresa Washburn

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In the current climate we might be afraid to take a break and invest time in ourselves. Ken Skistimas joins us for part 2 of our conversation about authenticity and the power of taking it easy on yourself.

Here’s Why It Matters is your space for clarity, focus, and personal growth strategies—so you can finally align your actions with your goals.

Subscribe to Here's Why It Matters:
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Find out more about Teresa here: https://www.tmrwcoaching.com/

Please rate and review the podcast in your favorite platform!

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teresawashburn/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmrwcoaching/

© 2024 - 2026 Teresa Washburn

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Ken Skistimas, a Senior Design Manager with ServiceNow, joins us this week to discuss the importance of authenticity and self-care, and why it matters even more when you’re a leader supporting a team.

Here’s Why It Matters is your space for clarity, focus, and personal growth strategies—so you can finally align your actions with your goals.

Subscribe to Here's Why It Matters:
Apple | Spotify

Find out more about Teresa here: https://www.tmrwcoaching.com/

Please rate and review the podcast in your favorite platform!

Follow on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teresawashburn/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmrwcoaching/

© 2024 - 2026 Teresa Washburn

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In the final episode of our 3-part series on personal brand personas, we explore what it looks like to not just define and live your brand — but to amplify it. Teresa dives into the discomfort of growth, the power of aligned partnerships, and the simple courage it takes to speak your truth consistently. This is an episode about claiming space, stretching into your next level, and evolving your brand out loud.

What You'll Learn:

• Why we shrink from the very brand personas we’ve crafted
• How to recognize and step into your personal “stretch zone”
• The role of strategic partnerships in amplifying your message
• A grounded definition of thought leadership (that doesn’t require a TED Talk)
• How to take small, aligned actions that expand your voice and impact

Reflection Prompts:

• Where are you making yourself smaller, even though you know better?
• What would a stretch move look like for you right now?
• Who could you collaborate with to expand your presence?
• What do you want to be known for — and are you building anything around it?

Call to Action: 
Pick one stretch move.
One way to amplify your voice.
And one person to check in with.
You don’t have to evolve alone.

Here’s Why It Matters is your space for clarity, focus, and personal growth strategies—so you can finally align your actions with your goals.

Subscribe to Here's Why It Matters:
Apple | Spotify

Find out more about Teresa here: https://www.tmrwcoaching.com/

Please rate and review the podcast in your favorite platform!

Follow on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teresawashburn/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmrwcoaching/

© 2024 - 2026 Teresa Washburn

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In this episode, we take your personal brand work one step further — from internal clarity to external expression. Now that you’ve defined who you are and how you want to show up, how do you actually communicate that across your work and relationships?

We’ll explore:

• Where your brand already shows up (yes, even in Slack)
• How to build trust through intentional, consistent communication
• A practical approach to stakeholder mapping — including managing up
• Simple ways to align your presence with your values

Grab the free Stakeholder Mapping Template and Personal Brand Persona Template at tmrwcoaching.com/resources to put this episode into action.

This is part two of a three-part series on designing and evolving your personal brand. Let’s make sure people experience you the way you want to be experienced.

Here’s Why It Matters is your space for clarity, focus, and personal growth strategies—so you can finally align your actions with your goals.

Subscribe to Here's Why It Matters:
Apple | Spotify

Find out more about Teresa here: https://www.tmrwcoaching.com/

Please rate and review the podcast in your favorite platform!

Follow on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teresawashburn/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmrwcoaching/

© 2024 - 2026 Teresa Washburn

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In this episode, we turn the classic UX persona lens inward to help you design something deeply personal: your own brand. Whether you’re starting a new role, pivoting in your career, or just feeling a little unclear on how you’re showing up in the world — building a personal brand persona is a powerful way to create clarity and alignment.

You’ll learn:

• Why having a personal brand matters (and what it’s not)
• The six building blocks of a personal brand persona
• How to use self-reflection and a “listening tour” to discover your brand voice
• Real examples and prompts to guide your thinking
• How to put your persona into action in interviews, bios, networking, and content

Plus, I’ve created a free downloadable template to help you map it all out — grab it at www.tmrwcoaching.com/resources!

Here’s Why It Matters is your space for clarity, focus, and personal growth strategies—so you can finally align your actions with your goals.

Subscribe to Here's Why It Matters:
Apple | Spotify

Find out more about Teresa here: https://www.tmrwcoaching.com/

Please rate and review the podcast in your favorite platform!

Follow on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teresawashburn/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmrwcoaching/

© 2024 - 2026 Teresa Washburn

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In the second half of our conversation with Holly Wallis, we dive deeper into financial habits, mindset shifts, and practical strategies for gaining financial control. We explore societal pressures and gender norms around money and how these narratives shape financial behaviors. Holly shares stories from her coaching practice, illustrating how clients build confidence by making small, intentional steps toward financial stability. We also discuss techniques such as habit stacking, financial check-ins, and open communication in relationships.

To wrap up, Holly provides valuable resources, including a financial personality quiz and coaching opportunities, for listeners looking to improve their financial well-being.

To learn more about Holly and what financial personality you might have, head over to her website at https://www.hollywalliscoaching.com/.

Here’s Why It Matters is your space for clarity, focus, and personal growth strategies—so you can finally align your actions with your goals.

Subscribe to Here's Why It Matters:
Apple | Spotify

Find out more about Teresa here: https://www.tmrwcoaching.com/

Please rate and review the podcast in your favorite platform!

Follow on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teresawashburn/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmrwcoaching/

© 2024 - 2026 Teresa Washburn

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In the first half of the episode, financial coach Holly Wallis shares her journey into financial coaching, starting with her experience of launching her own business without being a finance expert and learning through trial and error. She discusses the importance of financial literacy, particularly for women, and how managing money effectively can create opportunities and align with life goals.

The conversation highlights the emotional and psychological barriers women face when dealing with money and how financial coaching can help overcome fear, shame, and uncertainty. Holly emphasizes the power of awareness — understanding where money is coming from and where it's going — to regain control over financial decisions.

To learn more about Holly and what financial personality you might have, head over to her website at https://www.hollywalliscoaching.com/.

Here’s Why It Matters is your space for clarity, focus, and personal growth strategies—so you can finally align your actions with your goals.

Subscribe to Here's Why It Matters:
Apple | Spotify

Find out more about Teresa here: https://www.tmrwcoaching.com/

Please rate and review the podcast in your favorite platform!

Follow on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teresawashburn/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmrwcoaching/

© 2024 - 2026 Teresa Washburn

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In the second half of my conversation with JB, we take a look at AI and the potential it has for accelerating what we do. We also touch on why it’s important for human-centered practice and purpose as it evolves.

The book recommendation JB shared is The Jungle is Neutral, by F. Spencer Chapman, DSO.

Here’s Why It Matters is your space for clarity, focus, and personal growth strategies—so you can finally align your actions with your goals.

Subscribe to Here's Why It Matters:
Apple | Spotify

Find out more about Teresa here: https://www.tmrwcoaching.com/

Please rate and review the podcast in your favorite platform!

Follow on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teresawashburn/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmrwcoaching/

© 2024 - 2026 Teresa Washburn